Iloilo city: The Department of Social Welfare and Development and the city government of Iloilo City have entered into a partnership aimed at providing continued support for the graduates of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). A memorandum of agreement was signed on Monday to enhance the program's implementation for those transitioning out of it.

According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was signed by DSWD Regional Director Joselito Estember and Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Tre±as. DSWD division chief Belen Gebusion and City Social Welfare and Development officer Teresa Gelogo witnessed the signing. Mayor Tre±as announced that the city government will offer college scholarships to Senior High School graduates from 4Ps households, as part of its commitment to improve the lives of the Ilonggos through education.

Mayor Tre±as emphasized the importance of education in uplifting lives and mentioned plans to enhance the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), given the success of some pilot projects. She stated that additional funds would be allocated to upgrade the beneficiaries' lives and their families.

Director Estember highlighted that Iloilo City was the pilot area for the 4Ps program in 2008, with nearly 12,000 beneficiaries at the time. The renewed partnership aims to ensure enhanced support for families graduating or exiting the program. Currently, there are 5,076 graduates from 4Ps in Iloilo City, most of whom have attained Level 3 status, indicating self-sufficiency. Estember noted that they are awaiting the replacement of graduated beneficiaries, with allocations dependent on the community-based monitoring system's results to identify indigent families.